The United Kingdom is preparing for a significant Arctic blast that is forecast to blanket the nation in snow, with weather models predicting two separate blizzards will hit from the south coast of England to the north of Scotland within days.
First Wave of Snow: A Nationwide Blanket
According to the latest data from the GFS weather model, the first wave of disruptive weather will commence over Scotland on December 10. The snow is then expected to push southwards throughout the following day, December 11, reaching England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
By 9am on December 11, the forecast indicates that a substantial band of snow will be falling across large parts of Wales and central and north-west England. Major urban centres including Birmingham, Stoke-on-Trent, Manchester, and Blackpool are all in the projected path of this initial snowfall.
The system is then tracked to continue its journey south, potentially bringing light flurries to Bristol and even London by midday. Meanwhile, heavy and persistent snow is expected to continue across Scotland, with the Highlands bearing the brunt of the most intense conditions. Major Scottish cities like Glasgow and Edinburgh are also braced for seriously wintry weather.
Second Atlantic Front Targets the South
The wintry weather is not over yet. Forecast maps reveal a second weather front sweeping in from the Atlantic on December 12. This system is predicted to bring a mix of heavy rain and significant snow to southern England.
The data specifically shows Devon facing serious snowfall at around 3pm. This front is then expected to move eastward along the entire south coast, with forecasts suggesting it will almost engulf the coastline by 6pm. Residents in Bournemouth, Southampton, and Brighton should prepare for flurries, while the maps also indicate that South London might see a dusting of snow.
Projected Snow Accumulations and Official Outlook
Snow depth charts for December 13 illustrate the potential accumulations following this twin-pronged Arctic assault. While vast areas of southern England could see around 1cm of snow, the most dramatic build-up is predicted for Scotland, where some regions could be buried under as much as 34cm (13 inches).
The Met Office's own forecast for the period acknowledges the potential for snow. In its outlook for December 2 to 11, it states that changeable and often unsettled conditions are expected, with low pressure systems dominating. It notes: "The greatest chance of snow will probably be over northern high ground."
For the period covering December 12 to 26, the Met Office suggests that broadly unsettled conditions will continue, with further spells of wet and windy weather likely, particularly in the northwest.
This major snow forecast indicates a period of significant disruption is on the horizon for much of the country, prompting authorities and the public to begin their winter preparedness plans.
